Prairie Star Productions Civil War Presentations

CIVIL WAR INTERPRETATIONS & PRESENTATIONS

Louisa May Alcott & Civil War Nursing

Author of the classic children's story, "Little Women",and a Civil War Hospital Nurse. Louisa May Alcott was just one of 5000 women who served our country in Union Army hospitals during the 4 years of the Civil War. This presentation examines the role women played in hospitals and medical units for both the Union and Confederate Armies during the Civil War. Why did they go? What were their responsibilities? What type of conditions did they work in? These are just a few of the questions this presentation explores.

Letters of the Civil War

Through letters from the front line of the American Civil War, experience the feelings the families of Civil War soldiers felt when news from their loved ones arrived home, or the soldiers in the trenches fearing that day's battle and pausing for a moment to read a letter from his wife and sweet heart.

In observance of the 150th Anniversary of the Civil War, Prairie Star Productions rolls out "Letters of the Civil War", a 60 minute audio video performance with period attired Civil War Actors dramatically interpreting over 30 original letters from the war accompanied by music, period photographs, and historical reenactment video footage.

Maria Westin Chapman; New England Abolitionist

Noted Abolitionist Maria Westin Chapman spoke out against Slavery and founded one of most important Female Anti-Slavery Societies in the United States, "The Boston Female Anti-Slavery Society". Listen to Mrs. Chapman, portrayed by Rebecca Tulloch, as she preaches her message of Abolition and the work of the Female Anti-Slavery Societies of New England prior to the American Civil War. (Lecture Program)

Photography and Fire

Civil War resident Emma Stouffer of Chambersburg, Pennsylvania shares her story of the burning of Chambersburg by the Confederate Army in 1864 through a demonstration of 19th century wet plate photography, Performed by Rebecca Tulloch, this program is tailored for Younger Audiences, grades 4 - 8; but can also be adapted to an adult audience. Student participation is encouraged and includes dressing up students in period clothing to sit for a Civil War Style period Photograph.
Program Length can be customized to accommodate varying class lengths from 20 - 55 minutes depending on the audience and venue.
PHOTO GALLERY OF AUDIENCE PARTICIPANT IMAGES

Hauntings of the Civil War

Victorian Spiritualism was fueled by over 600,000 dead civil War soldiers leaving their loved ones behind searching for comfort from the beyond. Invite Maggie Fox, one of the founders of American Spiritualism as she discusses here life as a medium and the tools and methods used to communicate with the spirits. Participate in a friendly séance in which ghosts from the Civil War may make their presence known to the audience.

Fun for the Halloween season, this program includes the telling of Civil War ghost stories and a discussion of 19th century Spiritualism. Enjoyable for all ages over 10 years old.!

Civil War Coehorn Mortar
Demonstration Firings!
The Civil War Coehorn Mortar was an essential piece of mobile artillery used by the Civil War infantryman at sieges such as the Battle of Petersburg. The mortar is available for live fire demonstrations and presentations for historical events, concerts, firework displays, and special occasions.

Our Regimental Vivandier!
COMING SOON!
During the Civil War may patriotic women on both sides served as Vivandieres for various Civil War Regiments. The Vivandier was a women selected to serve as a Daughter of the Regiment. Based on the European Zouave Regiments of France during the Crimean War, the Vivandiers most important role was that of a nurse that traveled with the regiment. With her canteen of water, a vivandiere gave wounded or sick soldiers immediate attention, comparable to a modern MASH unit. Vivandiers were often well armed with pistols and even a sword. enabling them to defend themselves in battle. Invite Rebecca Tulloch to tell the tale of little known heroines such as Annie Etheridge of the 5th Michigan, Kady Brownell of the 1st Rhode Island, Bridget Divers of the the 1st Michigan and Marie Tepe "French Mary" of Collis' Zouaves.

Spinning Wheel Demonstrations

Looking for something different at your next conference of historical event. How about a Spinning Wheel Demonstration?

This interactive hands on demonstration for children and adults will explore the origins of fiber spinning for use in clothing, explain the techniques of spinning fiber, and demonstrate the production of yard on the wool spinning wheel.

Civil War Infantryman

In memory of Mr. Jim Tulloch, join an infantry soldier as he interprets the life of the every day Civil War soldier. Why did they join? How were they trained? What was their daily life like? What equipment were they issued? How did they load and fire their muskets?

This interactive and entertaining program, with participation from the audience, will provide a glimpse into the life of a 19th century Civil War common Soldier. A live musket firing is also included. Able to portray North or South.